White cabbage with smoked meat

Delicious White Cabbage with Smoked Meat Recipe

Welcome to a new culinary adventure! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a traditional, comforting dish full of flavors - white cabbage with smoked meat. This simple and tasty recipe will remind you of family meals, filled with warmth and joy. Perfect for chilly days or for an impressive dinner, white cabbage with smoked meat is an excellent choice. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 medium white cabbage
- 500 g smoked ribs (preferably homemade)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sunflower or olive oil for sautéing

Recipe History

Cabbage with smoked meat is a dish that has been cooked for generations, with deep roots in culinary tradition. This combination of simple ingredients reflects the essence of home cooking, where each ingredient contributes to creating a dish rich in flavor. Cabbage, a staple food, perfectly blends with the aroma of smoked meat, providing a hearty and nourishing meal.

Cooking Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the onion. Wash it well and chop it finely. The onion will add a sweet note to the dish, so don’t neglect it.
Next, remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, which are not healthy, and then slice it thinly. It is essential to cut it evenly for uniform cooking.

2. Sautéing the onion
In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and starts to brown slightly. This step is important, as caramelized onion will add depth to the final flavor of the dish.

3. Adding the smoked ribs
Cut the smoked ribs into suitable pieces. Once the onion is sautéed, add the ribs and let them brown together with the onion, stirring occasionally. The aroma of the smoked meat will begin to release, enticing your senses.

4. Preparing the cabbage
After the ribs have browned, add the sliced cabbage to the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Sprinkle salt over the cabbage (the salt will help the cabbage release its juice) and add the finely chopped fresh dill.

5. Boiling
Cover everything with warm water, ensuring that the ingredients are well covered. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste, pepper, thyme, and taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

6. Final cooking
Let the dish simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the cabbage becomes soft and the juice starts to reduce. It is important to check occasionally if more water is needed, but you do not want to end up with a watery dish.

7. Serving
White cabbage with smoked meat is served hot, with a fresh chili pepper on the side for an extra kick! A plate of warm polenta perfectly complements this dish, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: When selecting smoked ribs, try to opt for quality products, preferably from a trusted butcher. The taste of the smoked meat is essential for the success of the dish.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to enrich the flavor. Additionally, a tablespoon of honey added during boiling can bring a pleasant contrast between sweet and salty.
- Storing the dish: If you have an extra portion, cabbage with smoked meat keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated the next day, with the flavor becoming even richer.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also nourishing. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, being an excellent antioxidant. Smoked meats provide a protein boost, but it is best to consume them in moderation due to their salt content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pickled cabbage?
Yes, pickled cabbage can be an excellent alternative, bringing a more acidic and interesting flavor, but it will change the texture and some aromas.

2. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add fresh chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking to enhance the flavor.

3. Can I freeze cabbage with smoked meat?
Although it is recommended to consume the dish fresh to preserve its flavor, you can freeze it, but the texture of the cabbage will change.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through this recipe for white cabbage with smoked meat, I hope you are excited to try it! It is a dish that brings together tradition, taste, and comfort, perfect for enjoying with family or friends. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and put your personal touch on this classic dish. Enjoy your meal!